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From time to time, readers of the first book ask questions about upcoming novels. Here are some frequently asked questions, and their answers!
F.A.Q.
Are you working on a third Donald Youngblood Mystery?
Yes, I am.
Can you tell us how far along you are with it?
I am about 45% into it.
What can you tell us about it so far?
Well, it looks as if it is going to be a more complex case
for Don than the Fairchild case or the Malone case. The title is
Three Devils Dancing. I am hoping to finish the first draft by
March 2010.
What have you learned from writing the first two books?
First, not to get in a hurry. I was in a hurry to get
Three Deuces Down into the market place and I really pushed
to do that. I was in less of a hurry to get Three Days Dead
out and I think that is one reason that it is a better book. I
will be even more methodical with Three Devils Dancing.
Next, I learned that being an author is a lot more than writing a book.
You have to promote, especially on the first few books. You have
to do book signings, speaking engagements, interviews, radio, and TV.
Anything to get your name out there.
Finally, I learned that you cannot make any money being an author unless
you catch a break. The more promoting you do the more likelihood
that might happen. Whether it happens or not, I'll continue to
write. I love doing it and I have to write to find out what
happens to Donald Youngblood and company.
Is Three Days Dead a Donald
Youngblood Mystery?
Yes. I hope to continue the series as far as it will take me.
Are all the major characters back?
Yes, and then some new ones as well.
Is it a murder mystery?
It is, although you will have to look hard to find the
murder.
How far along are you with Three Days Dead?
Three Days Dead is now in
print and available for purchase online as well as in bookstores across
America. It is also available for purchase through this website! Check
out our ORDER FORM.
An Interview With Keith Donnelly
Q: Where did your idea for Three Deuces Down begin?
A: I have always wanted to write a PI series. I started with a
tiny idea about two missing people and just went with it. It
really wrote itself. I thought 3DD (Three Deuces Down) would be a
catchy title for the book but I had no idea how I would tie it in.
It just happened. I was as surprised at the time as the readers
will be when they read it.
Q: What was the writing process like for Three Deuces Down?
A: I didn't think about it much. I just wrote when I could find
time and the story kind of fell out of my head.
Q: If you had to cast actors for the roles in your novel, Three
Deuces Down, whom would you choose to play the key character role
of Donald Youngblood?
A: Somebody asked me that once. I really did not have anyone in
mind but I guess if I could choose it would be Matthew McConaghey. I
think he could really pull it off.
Q: Did you ever experience bouts of self-doubt in your writing?
A: Not really. There were times that I wondered how the story
was going to turn out. I was continually surprised by the twists and
turns.
Q: What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a writer?
A: Finding time to write while holding down a full time job.
Q: Do you have a favorite author? Who? Why?
A: Pat Conroy, James Lee Burke and Robert B. Parker would be my
top three. Conroy and Burke are more lyrical and because of that they
are more methodical and take longer to read. Parker is a fast pace
storyteller.
Q: Is there a book that you could read over and over again? Why?
A: I don't have that kind of time [to read books more
than once]. There are a few that I have read twice but most of
the time I have "books in waiting" that I have not read and they get top
priority.
Q: What inspires you as a writer?
A: Getting involved with the characters and the story. It takes
on a life of its own and if I do not write I do not find out what is
going to happen to them.
Q: Many readers think that authors tend to reveal a little bit of
themselves in each character they create. Do you feel this is true for
you and your characters?
A: There is obviously some of me in Don, but nobody else. Some
other characters are loosely based on people I know or have known.
Do you have a question you would like to see answered? Or want to get in touch with the author? You can send an email to threedeucesdown@aol.com, or check out our Contact Information page for other ways to get in touch!